Picture this: a flaky Danish pastry sitting perfectly on a plate, the creamy cheesecake center practically begging you to take a bite. But then reality hits, and you remember the last time you tried making Danish pastry from scratch. A flour-covered kitchen, sticky dough that refused to cooperate, and an end result that looked more like a pancake than a pastry. We’ve all been there. That’s why I’m so excited to share this King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe with you! It’s foolproof, outrageously delicious, and—best of all—mess-free.

This recipe takes the humble King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and transforms them into a bakery-worthy dessert or breakfast treat. With a luscious cream cheese filling, a spiced cinnamon-butter drizzle, and just the right touch of sweetness, these danishes are a game-changer. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion.

I stumbled upon this idea after a particularly disastrous attempt at making traditional pastries. The simplicity and sheer brilliance of using store-bought rolls as the base had me hooked. Now, this recipe is a staple in my home, whether I’m whipping up a quick treat for brunch guests or satisfying my sweet tooth on a quiet weekend.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

There’s so much to love about this recipe. It’s one of those rare finds that checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Effortless Prep: Forget about kneading dough or laminating butter. With King’s Hawaiian rolls as your base, you skip the hardest steps of pastry-making and go straight to the fun part.
Rich and Creamy Filling: The cream cheese filling is sweet, tangy, and incredibly smooth. It’s the perfect contrast to the soft, pillowy rolls.
Warm Cinnamon Spice: The cinnamon-butter mixture drizzled over the top takes these danishes to the next level. It’s like wrapping up in a cozy blanket of flavor.
Customizable Fun: You can easily add your favorite fruit toppings, experiment with glazes, or switch up the spices for a unique twist every time.
Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: Whether it’s breakfast for the family or dessert for a dinner party, these danishes hit the sweet spot for everyone.

Preparation Time and Serving Details

This recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something special.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Servings: 12 delicious danishes

Each danish is perfectly portioned, making them an ideal option for sharing or savoring solo. With around 220 calories per danish, they’re a satisfying indulgence that doesn’t overdo it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these cheesecake danishes, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients:

12-pack King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These rolls form the base of the recipe. Their sweetness and soft texture are unbeatable.
1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan): Keeps the rolls from sticking and adds a buttery flavor.
⅓ cup butter, melted: Used for the cinnamon-butter drizzle.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds depth and sweetness to the drizzle.
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon: For that classic warm spice.
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional): A hint of nutmeg elevates the flavor beautifully.
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of the show, providing a creamy, tangy filling.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
1 large egg, beaten: Adds structure and richness to the filling.

Each ingredient plays a vital role, so don’t skip anything if you can help it!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Success

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This ensures your rolls won’t stick, and it adds a touch of buttery goodness to the base of the dish.

Arrange and Prepare the Rolls

Place the King’s Hawaiian rolls snugly in the greased baking dish. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut an ‘X’ into the top of each roll. Make sure to slice about two-thirds of the way down without cutting through the bottom. This creates a pocket for the cream cheese filling.

Make the Cinnamon-Butter Drizzle

In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Stir until everything is combined into a smooth mixture. The aroma of this spiced butter alone will have you swooning!

Drizzle the Cinnamon Mixture Over the Rolls

Pour the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the prepared rolls, making sure they’re well-coated. Use a spoon to nudge the mixture into the ‘X’ cuts for an extra burst of flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and mix until combined. Finally, incorporate the beaten egg, mixing until the filling is creamy and lump-free.

Fill the Rolls

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large tip or use a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe the filling generously into the ‘X’ cuts of each roll. Don’t be shy—this filling is the highlight!

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set. The smell wafting from your oven will be irresistible.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm for the ultimate indulgence, and watch them disappear in no time!

Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Experience

These cheesecake danishes are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:

For Breakfast: Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy morning treat.
As Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of berries or sliced peaches to complement the cream cheese filling.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun twists you can try:

Fruit-Topped Danishes: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh berries to the cream cheese filling before baking. Strawberry, blueberry, or apricot are all great choices.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle a powdered sugar glaze over the cooled danishes for added sweetness. Combine ½ cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and a drop of vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the cinnamon-butter mixture for a unique flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish Every Time

Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, too much can cause it to overflow during baking. Aim for a generous but controlled amount.
Bake on the Middle Rack: This ensures even cooking and prevents the bottoms from burning.
Reheat Leftovers Gently: If you’re enjoying these the next day, reheat them in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Experiment Freely: This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but possible), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the danishes in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes.

You can also freeze these danishes. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

Let’s Make This Happen

This King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, these danishes are foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

I’d love to hear how your danishes turn out! Snap a photo, share your experience, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Let’s bring a little bakery magic into your home, one sweet roll at a time.

King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish: Delicious Pastry Hack

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 danishes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy recipe using King’s Hawaiian rolls to create decadent cheesecake Danishes with a cinnamon-butter drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale

12-pack King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1 tbsp butter, melted (for greasing)
⅓ cup butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tbsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place rolls in the dish and cut an ‘X’ into the tops, slicing two-thirds down.
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; drizzle over rolls.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth. Pipe into the ‘X’ cuts.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and set. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add vanilla or lemon zest to the filling.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American